Rondo hard to market because “He is basketball first."

[PLamb]

Interesting article in the Globe today about Rajon Rondo

It appears his agent has trouble marketing him not because the offers aren't there but because Rondo is all about basketball and works so hard on that

I guess that should soothe any doubts the Celtics fan base should have about how hard he works to improve his game

Some other good stuff with Doc Rivers commenting on his defense and what he needs to work on there

Also the article comments on his free throw shooting percentage

It looks like with a good free throw shooting night Rondo will get his season average over 60% tonight and while that is atrocious know that after 20 games his FT% sat at 40% so that shows some significant improvement

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2010/01/28/star_turn_for_celtics_rondo/

But Rondo is marketable. He is a smooth, well-spoken player who has picked up Ray Allen’s dapper dressing style. Given that NBA commissioner David Stern just suspended two players for the remainder of the season for bringing guns on NBA premises, the league may be seeking new representatives. Rondo could be a prime candidate.

The biggest obstacle faced by Rondo’s agent, Bill Duffy, in selling his client is Rondo’s reluctance to pursue marketing opportunities. Rondo has endorsement deals with Red Bull and Dunkin’ Donuts but has resisted delving into other deals.

Rondo may have brought himself to an All-Star level as a player, and that may allow him more chances to build his public image.

“He’s not interested in that, though,’’ Duffy said. “He is basketball first. And a lot of stuff we present to him, he’s not interested in.

“He’s very, very selective about what he does and what he wants to involve himself with, but that’s completely secondary to him.’’

[moiso]

I love it.  Dirk style.  I get sick of the guys I see in every commercial anyway.  I can't even stand to look at Wade anymore.  And Peyton Manning in football.

[RAcker]

He can advertise for Masengill and they can show highlights of him hurting Chris Paul's feelings.   

[Fafnir]

Nice article, but are we taking an agent's word for something? 

[wiley]

Hope he never changes....being marketed up the wazoo effects players more than they realize imo....I'm not saying it affects their game necessarily.... but just......yuck in general.

Some adds are better than others, though.  I'd say do the simple ones and avoid the circus crap.

[BballTim]

  I've always wondered how he doesn't do commercials for the Kia Rondo.

[moiso]

  I've always wondered how he doesn't do commercials for the Kia Rondo.

haha yeah me too.

[Roy Hobbs]

I know he spent a couple of weeks in China over the summer for a Nike tour, so it's not like his *only* sponsorships are Red Bull and D&D.

[Greenbean]

Nice article, but are we taking an agent's word for something? 

Great point but I can't think of a reason or what kind of positioning he was going for here. His cleint already signed a contract so he doesnt need to endear him to the fanbase or the team. So now for him to make money, it seems like he would have to get Rondo sponsorship deals. Releasing to the media that Rondo turns down almost everything would give a bad impression to potential sponsorship opportunties. Do you disagree?

[tbs]

So what products does a surly and bad-tempered pitchman pitch?  Because if you didn't know anything about his actual personality, that's how Rondo comes across most of the time on TV.

[Fafnir]

Nice article, but are we taking an agent's word for something? 

Great point but I can't think of a reason or what kind of positioning he was going for here. His cleint already signed a contract so he doesnt need to endear him to the fanbase or the team. So now for him to make money, it seems like he would have to get Rondo sponsorship deals. Releasing to the media that Rondo turns down almost everything would give a bad impression to potential sponsorship opportunties. Do you disagree?

No, he's trying to create the impression that Rondo is a good guy and player. He's also subtly drawing attention to the fact that Rondo doesn't have a ton of endorsement deals, and that companies should take a look at him.

The statement comes right before he's named to his first all-star game to boot. Rondo's agent is doing his job, trying to raise Rondo's profile and get him some more dollars.

What he says very well could be true, but agent's words can't be taken at face value.

[Fafnir]

So what products does a surly and bad-tempered pitchman pitch?  Because if you didn't know anything about his actual personality, that's how Rondo comes across most of the time on TV.

So you're saying Perkins won't be getting a deal with Coke anytime soon?